Transcript Highlights:

• . >> By Representative Tuck and others, House Bill 655, a bill entitled an act relating to pet insurance
• This establishes a framework for pet insurance and... That is the bill. Questions of the sponsor?
• Representing today is Osceola County Commissioner and my wonderful husband, Ricky Booth.
• He's a commissioner from the city of Coconut Creek, the butterfly capital of the world.
• Nothing about the prices we face, like housing and property insurance and one hurricane after another

Bills: HB 9, HB 22, HB 908, HB 1392

Keywords: property tax, ad valorem tax, tangible personal property, income-producing property, business personal property, tax exemption, local government finance, appraisal district, chief appraiser, rendition statement, property tax relief, small business, commercial property, leased property, related business entity, unified business enterprise, tax situs, Texas Tax Code, local taxing unit, constitutional amendment

Transcript Highlights:

• 37:50.080> services commissioner of administrative services commissioner of administrative services
• Already at this point, we've got commissioners from the New Hampshire Insurance Department and Health
• We have a governing plan of operation, which is also reviewed regularly by the insurance commissioner
• > from<05:13:09.840> New we've got commissioners from New we've got commissioners from
• <05:13:18.920> commissioner.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• From the Committee on Banking and Insurance.
• From the Committee on Banking and Insurance.
• From the Committee on Banking and Insurance.
• From the Committee on Banking and Insurance.
• And commissioner people should be doing.

Keywords: 920, all

Summary: The Alabama Senate convened with prayer, the pledge, and a roll call establishing a quorum. The chamber approved routine motions to excuse absent senators, dispense with the previous day’s journal, and allow introduction of bills and committee reports throughout the day. The Senate also received several House messages referring bills to committee, including local constitutional amendments for Limestone, Blount, and Mobile counties, a human cloning bill, a Fair Campaign Practices Act bill, a public education bill, a court fees bill, and a physician assistance bill. Committee reports were then taken up. The Finance and Taxation General Fund, Confirmations, State Governmental Affairs, County and Municipal Government, Education Policy, Banking and Insurance, Fiscal Responsibility and Economic Development, Transportation and Energy, and Local Legislation committees all reported a number of bills favorably, many with amendments or substitutes. Several measures were advanced to the calendar for the next legislative day, and the Senate confirmed multiple appointments, including Eileen Meyer and Tiffany Martin to the Alabama Board of Midwifery, Jennifer Ag, Jerry Gross, and Edgar Hower II to the University of West Alabama Board of Trustees, Patricia Sims, Tony Cochran, and Sandy Stimson to the Alabama State Port Authority Board of Directors. The Senate then adopted a special order calendar under Senate Resolution 34, setting the order of business for the 10th legislative day. The main floor debate centered on House Bill 161, the App Store Accountability Act, which was described as a child-protection measure requiring parental permission, age verification by app stores, accurate app age ratings, and limits on minors entering contracts through app downloads. Senators speaking in support said the bill was needed to protect children from harmful online content and preserve parental control, and they discussed an amendment clarifying the meaning of “act” and preserving compliance with other state age-verification laws. The debate was ongoing in the portion provided, and no final vote on HB 161 appears in this excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• > just Uh, line 1.3 is just clarifying language, and 1.4 and 1.5 is technical changes to the insurance
• sergeants, the minority lead, Lucero, uh, Vice Chair Boldon, Minnesota Housing Finance Agency Commissioner
• sergeants, the minority lead, Lucero, uh, Vice Chair Boldon, Minnesota Housing Finance Agency Commissioner
• sergeants, the minority lead, Lucero, uh, Vice Chair Boldon, Minnesota Housing Finance Agency Commissioner
• The minority lead, Lucero, uh, Vice Chair Boldon, Minnesota Housing Finance Agency Commissioner Hoe and

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So I can't speak specifically about my fellow commissioners, but I can speak specifically about what
• So I can't speak specifically about my fellow commissioners, but I can speak specifically about what
• And then Commissioners currently, there are five developers, including Mr.
• Callum as commissioner of the FWC. Second. All right.
• Many of those are removed by owners, insurance companies, or brought back into compliance.

Summary: The Senate Environment and Natural Resources Committee first took up the appointment of Joshua Kellum to the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC). Kellum described his background in diversified land, agricultural, materials, and real estate operations and said he views himself as a conservationist. Senators questioned him closely about his development background, the balance of perspectives on the commission, his vote supporting the black bear hunt, and the use of Fish and Wildlife Foundation funds for the “Yes on 2” campaign. Supporters argued he is primarily a land steward and conservation-minded landowner, while opponents said the commission is already dominated by developers and lacks scientific or conservation expertise. After debate, the committee voted to recommend Kellum’s confirmation, with Senator Smith voting no and the rest of the voting members in favor. The committee then received a presentation from FWC on implementation of recently enacted boating and vessel laws. Bill Holcomb outlined changes under SB 1388 (the Boater Freedom Act), including limits on vessel stops and boarding, a new Florida Freedom Boater Safety Inspection decal, and revised rules for Springs Protection Zones. He also reviewed SB 164 on derelict and at-risk vessels, including new enforcement tools, a long-term anchoring permit, and updated penalties; HB 289, Lucy’s Law, which strengthens boating safety penalties and education requirements; SB 830 on the disposition of migrant vessels; and HB 735 on water access facilities and boating infrastructure. Holcomb said FWC is in rulemaking, training officers, and updating forms and permitting systems to implement the laws. Members asked follow-up questions about derelict vessel cost recovery and whether penalties go back to the state, and about the Springs Protection Zone standard. Holcomb said the state can recover removal costs from responsible owners and that the new springs standard requires “significant harm” and that vessel activity be the predominant cause, with subject matter experts and partner agencies helping make those determinations. He said Silver Glen Springs remains a proposed zone but was paused pending the new criteria and rulemaking. The committee took no further action on the presentation and adjourned after completing the agenda.

Transcript Highlights:

• insurance um that it has to cover that. insurance um that it has to cover that.
• This is an insurance bill. First up, personal testifier DCCA Insurance Division in support.
• Acting Insurance Commissioner stands on our written testimony and support. Thank you very much.
• <01:38:05.199> commissioner<01:38:06.080> stand<01:38:06.320> on acting insurance
• commissioner stand on acting insurance commissioner stand on our<01:38:06.639> written our written

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The joint Senate committees heard HB 108 HD2, which would allow direct shipment of beer and distilled spirits by certain licensees and require liquor commissions to adopt rules. Most testimony came from craft brewers and distillers in support, who said the bill would help small and fragile producers reach customers, move limited or specialty products that wholesalers do not carry, and maintain relationships with visitors after they leave Hawaii. Supporters also argued that direct-to-consumer shipping would not meaningfully increase underage access because common carriers age-gate deliveries and require adult signatures, and that the measure would supplement rather than replace the three-tier system. Opposition came from the Hawaii Food Industry Association and the Hawaii Liquor Wholesalers Association, which said the bill could create problems with minor access and tax revenue and would allow out-of-state manufacturers to ship directly to Hawaii households. Supporters responded that similar concerns were raised when wine direct shipping was adopted and said the existing shipping and reporting systems can track and tax these sales. Several witnesses, including Maui Brewing, Ola Brew, Koloa Rum, Hana Rum, Koulana Rumworks, Koval Distillery, and the Brewers Association, described their small-batch operations, limited distribution options, and the potential for direct shipping to expand sales and jobs. Committee members questioned witnesses about underage access, tax collection, and the impact on the three-tier system. One witness discussed efforts to protect and potentially scale the Hawaiian spirit Okolehao through geographic and sourcing rules. The transcript does not show a final vote or disposition on HB 108 HD2 in the excerpt provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• I want to thank the MDVA Commissioner Brad Lindseay and Deputy Commissioner Johnson.
• of insurance.
• Big insurance companies or to me.
• for the insurance companies. for the insurance companies.
• this will just blow up the insurance this will just blow up the insurance market

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• President, calendar item 53 is Senate Bill 1013, a bill to amend the Insurance Code of 1956.
• Insurance rates should be based on risk factors, not whether you're likely to pay more for insurance
• In 2015, Ohio's insurance regulators published a bulletin outlawing the same.
• Madam Chair, House Bill 5807 is a bill to amend the Insurance Code of 1996.
• Madam Chair, House Bill 5807 is a bill to amend the Insurance Code of 1996.

Keywords: 983, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The point was to cover Americans with insurance and to help people access care.
• The point was to cover Americans with insurance and to help people access care.
• It's my hope that we can unify around the principle of keeping as many people insured as we can.
• It's my hope that we can unify around the principle of keeping as many people insured as we can.
• We must protect insured as we can.

Bills: HF3439, HF3763

Keywords: Medical Assistance, Medicaid, MNsure, MinnesotaCare, disability determination, expedited eligibility, state medical review team, compassionate allowance, rare disease, home and community-based services, long-term care, managed care, county-based purchasing, eligibility redetermination, periodic data matching, death master file, Social Security Administration, program integrity, income eligibility, asset test

Summary: The House Health Finance and Policy Committee met on March 4, 2026, approved the minutes from its February 25 and March 2 meetings, and then heard a presentation from Katherine Castanza of the National Conference of State Legislatures on Medicaid eligibility changes in the federal One Big Beautiful Bill Act (HR1/OB3). The presentation focused on provisions affecting Medicaid expansion adults ages 19 to 64, including new work and community engagement requirements, changes to retroactive eligibility, quarterly death master file checks, address verification requirements, six-month redeterminations for expansion enrollees, and new limits on some lawful permanent residents and other immigrant groups. Castanza also discussed state implementation issues, including the need for new data-sharing systems, system modernization, outreach, and options for helping people transition to other coverage if they lose eligibility. She said the work and community engagement rules take effect January 1, 2027, with states given flexibility on look-back periods, consecutive versus nonconsecutive months, and optional hardship exemptions, and noted that CMS guidance is not expected until June 2026. She also described federal support for implementation, including $200 million in grants and a 90% federal match for eligibility system work, while warning that the fast timeline could lead to coverage losses, churn, and challenges for special populations such as caregivers, people with behavioral health conditions, incarcerated individuals, and rural residents. She further explained that an erroneous payment provision could expose states to federal recoupment later if eligibility errors increase. During member questions, Representative Beerman asked about the overall size of the Medicaid cuts and the cumulative national impact; Castanza said estimates vary by state and cited KFF analysis suggesting states could lose 4% to 19% of federal Medicaid revenue, with a newer RAND analysis recently released. Beerman also asked about the history and effectiveness of state work requirements, but that discussion was not completed in the excerpt. Representative Elkins noted the presentation was not initially posted on the committee website, and the chair said it had since been posted.

Transcript Highlights:

• Is it the commissioner? Is it State Patrol?
• Is it the commissioner? the top command? Is it the commissioner?
• The insurance industry is offering large discounts on insurance rates for homes that have strengthened
• The insurance industry is offering large discounts on insurance rates for homes that have strengthened
• that uh insurance companies offer. that uh insurance companies offer.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Importantly, the bill is not designed to replace health insurance; the retired first responder still
• needs to have health insurance.
• you differs from the filed bill by exempting departments that provide the retired employee health insurance
• substitute also instructs the Commission of Workers' Compensation to adjust the payment instead of the Commissioner
• of Insurance, and that's based on feedback working with the agencies.

Bills: HB1654, HB1691, HB2545, HB2652, HB3799, HB4144, HB5008

Keywords: peace officers, firefighters, employment protection, worker's compensation, job security, maximum medical improvement, government employment, firefighter cancer benefits, emergency medical technicians, compensation claims, cancer exposures, firefighting hazards, workforce training, rural development, grant program, job-specific training, Texas Workforce Commission, child care, single-parent, subsidized

Transcript Highlights:

• cost the insurance company about $320.
• Instead, the insurance company sends a home health agency nurse to the patient's home.
• It would likely cost the insurance company about $320.
• program. insurers, but they also save money for the state's Medicaid program.
• The Office of the Insurance Commissioner just issued a report regarding this question, and it recommended

Summary: The Joint Legislative Audit and Review Committee’s Initiative 900 subcommittee held a hybrid public hearing on two State Auditor performance audits. The first audit examined efforts to reduce non-emergency use of emergency systems through CARES programs. Auditors reported that Washington has 52 fire-agency-led CARES programs in 26 counties, but many communities without programs said they need one. Major barriers included unstable funding, difficulty hiring qualified staff, volunteer-based rural departments, and lack of statewide guidance. The audit also found that only about half of programs tracked both required performance measures, and it recommended that the legislature consider private insurance reimbursement options and convene a statewide work group to develop guidance, standards, and possible changes to the role of the Department of Health. Agency representatives and fire officials largely supported the findings and emphasized that short-term grants and one-year contracts make programs hard to sustain. Committee discussion focused heavily on financing, especially Medicaid reimbursement and accountable communities of health (ACHs). Auditors clarified that the 10% figure cited in the report referred to direct Medicaid reimbursement for treat-and-refer services, which some agencies do not pursue because the $115 rate is too low relative to the administrative effort. Several fire officials testified that their programs rely on grants and ACH support, but that funding is often year-to-year and uncertain. They also described the value of CARES programs in reducing emergency room use, jail detentions, and long ambulance wait times, while noting barriers to sharing patient records across systems. Members asked whether the new public safety sales tax authority could help, but fire district representatives said it is not a direct funding option for them. The second audit reviewed performance management in the Department of Commerce’s Office of Economic Development and Competitiveness. Auditors found that the division does not yet have a statewide economic development strategic plan and that performance management is inconsistent across its 16 programs. In a limited review, all six sampled programs had goals, but only half clearly identified performance measures and targets, and only three tracked outcomes and published results. The audit highlighted leading practices from other states, including strategic planning, regular progress reporting, aligning program goals with agency goals, and using performance-based contracts and grant monitoring. Recommendations urged Commerce to seek stakeholder input, assess internal and external conditions, set goals and measures, align programs with the strategy, and strengthen monitoring and evaluation. Commerce officials agreed with the audit and said the division is already working toward a strategic plan, with a new assistant director to be hired and a target of completing the work by mid-next year. Members pressed the department on how the plan would connect to workforce, higher education, housing, and other economic development systems, and asked Commerce to return to JLARC next year with progress updates. The meeting ended with instructions for submitting written public comments and notice of the next JLARC meeting schedule.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:20:25.039> tax charge on the unemployment insurance tax charge on the unemployment insurance
• And so I assume it's the commissioner who would make that choice.
• Chair, Senator Nelson, uh yes, the commissioner would pick. Senator Nelson: Uh, thank you, Mr.
• Deputy Commissioner Row on soft launch. Deputy Commissioner Row on soft launch.
• check with Deputy Commissioner Ro. check with Deputy Commissioner Ro.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• With that, Commissioner, did you want to move the approval of the minutes for March 26th?
• With that, Commissioner, did you want to move the approval of the minutes for March 26th? So moved.
• A commissioner moves the approval of the minutes of March 26th, 2026. Any discussion? Hearing none.
• program. insurance program.
• um a high limit for the health insurance um a high limit for the health insurance costs<00:50:32.960

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• The additional monies represents a salary increase for the commissioners of $151,664.
• The additional monies represents a salary increase for the commissioners of $151,664.
• The additional monies represents a salary increase for the commissioners of $151,664.
• the commissioners the commissioners of<00:54:50.080> $151,664.
• due for health insurance and PERS. due for health insurance and PERS.

Keywords: MS Senate Floor - 19 February, 2026; 10:00 AM, 925, all

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, received an invocation from Reverend Kenny McGill, and approved dispensing with the reading of the journal, committee reports, and bill titles. The chamber then spent a substantial amount of time introducing guests in the galleries, including local officials, electric cooperative and farm bureau representatives, a doctor of the day, and student groups, with repeated recognition of workers involved in storm recovery and other public service efforts. Senators also offered brief remarks of support for Senator Warren Barnett’s recovery. The main business was the appropriations calendar. Senator Hopkins gave an overview of the budget process and projected FY 2027 general fund figures, noting that the Senate was still early in the process, had only considered Senate-originated bills, and was awaiting House bills such as education and Medicaid. He highlighted major budget pressures and items including university professor pay raises, agricultural unit increases, education enhancement funds, CAPEX projects, TRICARE funding, and a veterans home appropriation. He also noted that some bills were final passage while others contained reverse repealers and would go to conference. The Senate then considered several appropriations bills. Senate Bill 3051, the Department of Finance and Administration budget and related agencies, was explained by Senator DeBar; it included reductions tied to vacancy projections, contractual and nonrecurring funding changes, and reappropriations for America 250, the Capital City Water Project, coronavirus fiscal recovery expenses, and Bureau of Buildings invoices. It was adopted and passed by morning roll call. Senate Bill 3052, the Governor’s Office and Mansion budget, was presented as final action without a reverse repealer, with funding reduced from last year due to the loss of federal GEAR and EANS funds; it also passed by morning roll call. Senate Bill 3053, IHL general support, included a $2,000 professor raise and a $20 million CAPEX item, with a total budget of about $1.673 billion; it passed. Senate Bill 3054, IHL subsidiary programs, was explained as having no dollars over LBR and a total of $87.8 million, with a reverse repealer; after a brief question about the university professor raises, it too was adopted and passed.

Transcript Highlights:

• , Medicaid insurance, right?
• uh health insurance.
• , Medicaid insurance, right?
• uh health insurance.
• uh health insurance. uh health insurance. they<00:44:16.720> have<00:44:16.880> access

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• those States requiring auto insurance those States requiring auto insurance thank<04:08:19.479><
• It doesn't require auto insurance unless you have been in an auto accident.
• It doesn't require auto insurance unless you have been in an auto accident.
• auto insurance unless you uh have been auto insurance unless you uh have been in<04:24:53.040> an<
• annual inspection the insurance annual inspection the insurance companies<04:31:08.680> sure<

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The Transportation Committee opened its public hearing with HB 249, sponsored by Representative Seth Miller, which would allow bicycles, human-powered vehicles, and electric bicycles to treat stop signs as yield signs and red lights as stop signs in certain situations. Miller argued the bill would improve cyclist safety and traffic flow at no cost to the state, citing Idaho and Delaware as examples where similar laws were associated with fewer injuries and crashes. He emphasized that the proposal would remain optional for cyclists, who would still be required to yield to cross traffic and obey right-of-way rules, and said the bill is intended to help riders maintain momentum and avoid the instability that comes from repeatedly starting from a full stop. Committee members raised concerns about uncertainty for drivers and pedestrians, liability, and whether the bill would create a special class of road users with different rules. Representative Crawford asked about the red-light left turn language, and Miller explained it was included because bicycles may not trigger some traffic signals. Representative Hill questioned how other road users would know what a cyclist intended to do at an intersection, and Representative Gon noted the bill did not appear to address liability the way some motorcycle-related laws do. Miller responded that cyclists would still be expected to yield appropriately and said he would be open to an amendment if liability language was needed. Representative Emble also questioned whether the bill would create a special vehicle class, and Miller replied that bicycles already have different roadway rules and that the bill was meant to improve safety and flow. Several supporters testified in favor of the bill. Michael Frank, a cyclist and League cycling instructor from Spofford, said he regularly rides a cargo bike for errands and that stopping fully at intersections leaves him exposed longer and makes it harder to restart on hills. He said the bill would let cyclists slow, assess traffic, and proceed safely while maintaining momentum, and noted that he had not personally received a ticket for rolling through a stop sign, though he had been warned by police. Tim Blagden, former head of the Bike-Walk Alliance of New Hampshire, said the bill reflects how many people already ride, saves energy, and helps bicycles move through intersections faster and more safely. No vote or committee action was taken during the portion of the hearing provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• That's good to hear, Commissioner Olson.
• Oh, it's always a good day when Commissioner Olson is here.
• us members and we have the commissioner us members and we have the commissioner of<00:47:59.119>
• It is something that I've spoken with the commissioner about.
• Thank you, Commissioner Olson. Welcome to the committee.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Commissioner Hayes, please state your name for the record and you may begin.
• I'm an Assistant Commissioner with the Department of Administration.
• Assistant Commissioner with the Assistant Commissioner with the Department<00:26:37.560> of<00
• Section 12 creates a requirement for agencies to report to the Commissioner of Admin on ...
• Um this is in the unemployment insurance Um this is in the unemployment insurance chapter<00:52:

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Scott Psyche, insurance commissioner for the insurance division.
• Roa Castillo, acting commissioner.
• Scott Psyche, insurance [snorts] commissioner<00:16:36.240> for<00:16:36.399> the<00:16
• commissioner for the insurance division. commissioner for the insurance division.
• :48:24.880> commissioner.

Keywords: 910, house, all